St. Regis Mumbai

BACKGROUND The St. Regis Mumbai is the tallest building in the city and offers the luxury brand’s signature touches, including an on-call butler service. The Marriott International property is considered one of Mumbai’s most prestigious hotels.

W H AT ’ S IT LIKE? You know you have arrived at one of the city’s top addresses, or as the hotel states, “the best address”, when you see some of the most exquisite automobiles rolling in and out of the driveway and catch a glimpse of business conversations taking place in the elevators. I was welcomed with open arms, experiencing the famed St. Regis hospitality to the point where even the safety protocols conducted, including sanitisation and temperature checks, didn’t seem too burdensome. My luggage was swiftly collected and the check-in process was quick and smooth.

WHERE IS IT? Located in the bustling neighbourhood of Lower Parel, the hotel offers easy access to Mumbai’s popular tourist attractions and business centres. For the ultimate retail debauchery, head to the Phoenix Palladium, which is a stone’s throw from the property.

ROOMS I stayed in the plush Caroline

Astor Suite featuring a living room, bedroom and an elegant bathroom with Laboratoire Remède amenities. Overlooking the Mahalaxmi Racecourse, the suite exuded a regal aura, carefully enveloped in modern furnishings, clean design and subtle hues. The suite was equipped with all the essential amenities for a comfortable business stay, including a spacious work desk. My personal butler, Caesar Araujo, took care of all my needs and was available round-theclock for assistance.

FOOD AND DRINK I ate lunch at

The Sahib Room & Kipling Bar, enjoying Indian delicacies such as gosht ki gilawat, ground lamb marinated with Master Chef Asif Qureshi’s 25 handpicked spices from Lucknow; sahib ki nihari, overnight simmered lamb chops and shanks with stock flavoured with 32 spices; and lamb biryani. The layering of flavours was spot-on and the fragrance of each dish was divine. I then indulged in a pretty afternoon tea ritual in The Drawing Room and enjoyed sundowners at Luna Nudo where the glittering city vistas were the backdrop. My evening dining experience at By the Mekong was an absolute delight. Arabian sea prawns; lotus root and water chestnut; chicken wings; edamame and Sichuan dumplings; and truffle sea-bass were just some of the creations I tasted. The dishes were a perfect amalgamation of fresh produce, deep flavours, artistic presentation and expert culinary skills. The buffet breakfast at Seven Kitchens comprised all of my favourites like hash browns, sausages, Indian dishes and waffles, completed with a good cup of cappuccino.

MEETINGS Choose from 22 event venues, the largest of which can accommodate 1,000 guests. From small meetings and custom receptions to large conferences and events, there is a space to suit all requirements. Dedicated planners are on hand to help.

LEISURE There’s a gym with free weights and cardio equipment, a swimming pool and the Iridium Spa, located on the hotel’s wellness floor, offering Ayurvedic treatments, massages, foot baths and more. The hotel is also home to the city’s highest nightclub, EXO.

VERDICT It’s worth visiting this property just for the dining experience, whether you are entertaining clients or making the most of your visit to Mumbai. The signature St. Regis service will ensure your business stay is seamless. Sanchita Nambiar

Overlooking the Mahalaxmi Racecourse, the suite exuded a regal aura